Microgravity as a research area encompasses the systematic investigation of physical, chemical, and biological processes under conditions of greatly reduced effective gravitational acceleration, such as in orbiting spacecraft, drop towers, or parabolic flights. It enables isolation of gravity-driven phenomena, allowing precise study of fluid dynamics, combustion, phase transitions, material solidification, colloidal behavior, and fundamental physics, as well as physiological and cellular responses to altered mechanical loading. Microgravity research supports development of validated models for transport processes, structure formation, and mechanobiology, and informs the design of space systems, countermeasures for human health in spaceflight, and advanced materials and processes with potential terrestrial applications.
Liquids can provide some especially tricky challenges for space travelers, but new research from the University of Mississippi could help engineer smarter, more efficient fluid control in zero- and low-gravity environments.
Soft Matter
Aug 25, 2025
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Since sending the first human into space in the 1960s, the solution to one key challenge has remained elusive: the efficient and reliable production of oxygen in space. On the International Space Station, this problem is ...
Space Exploration
Aug 18, 2025
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Features of spaceflight such as gravitational changes and circadian rhythm disruption—not to mention radiation—take a toll on the body, including muscle wasting and decreased bone density. These may even affect the ability ...
Space Exploration
Aug 15, 2025
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The resources tucked away in asteroids promise to provide the building blocks of humanity's expansion into space. However, accessing those resources can prove tricky. There's the engineering challenge of landing a spacecraft ...
Space Exploration
Aug 11, 2025
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NASA's SpaceX Crew-10 mission with agency astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov is preparing to return to Earth ...
Space Exploration
Aug 6, 2025
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But wait, before you go out to build a moon casino we need to talk about a couple things. One, you really have to figure out how the roulette wheel is going to work in a low gravity environment. Second, we're going to need ...
Astronomy
Jul 31, 2025
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When astronauts began spending six months and more aboard the International Space Station, they started to notice changes in their vision. For example, many found that, as their mission progressed, they needed stronger reading ...
Space Exploration
Jul 18, 2025
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A host of scientific investigations await the crew of NASA's SpaceX Crew-11 mission during their long-duration expedition aboard the International Space Station. NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, and JAXA (Japan ...
Space Exploration
Jul 16, 2025
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As humanity sets its sights on long-duration missions to the moon, Mars, and beyond, keeping astronauts healthy will be as critical as building rockets or habitats. A new paper appearing in npj Microgravity explores the possibilities ...
Space Exploration
Jul 15, 2025
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Sarcopenia, which is a progressive and extensive decline in muscle mass and strength, is common with aging and is estimated to affect up to 50% of people aged 80 and older. It can lead to disability and injuries from falls ...
Space Exploration
Jun 26, 2025
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